Checking In

It's been awhile since I posted, but that does not mean that I have been absent from the chess world. Twice in November I attended the Ellsworth Chess Club and played some games with the erstwhile Dick Powell. I also briefly visited the Lacy Greenlaw Chess-a-thon in Deer Isle. My Gameknot games have been going well, and I've been making sure that PVC Chess continues. And, of course, I've been reminding people that MECA elections are just ahead.

The chess season is now in full swing. Today Bapst visited Bangor High for the opening of the PVC season and realized that defending their state title will not be an easy task. Bangor has talent and experience on their top boards with Andrew Audibert, Keji Xu, and Henry Chai joined by Paul Rudnicki. Deer Isle-Stonington George Stevens Academy, Bucksport, and MDI have also begun meeting for matches. Join by Orono, these Eastern Maine teams will be battle-tested when the States roll around in March.

The Aurora Winter Solstice is just around the corner (December 12), and this has become a can't miss event on the chess calendar. The atmosphere is made by the organization of Dan Deluca and sidekick Laddy, while the food is arguably the best of all chess concession stands. This will be the 5th Annual. Come join the fun!

Thanks again to all those that have supported my candidacy for president of MECA. It will be an interesting election; I hope that there is a good turnout of MECA members. That will show that Maine chess is far from stagnant. See you at a board!